Advocacy Resources

Guide to Getting Started in State-Level Oncology Advocacy

Interested in shaping cancer care policy in your state but not sure where to begin? Download our resource guide created for oncology professionals looking to make an impact. Whether you're new to advocacy or looking to get more involved, this tool kit provides step-by-step instructions and resources to help you take the next step. Learn about key legislative issues going on in your state, such as prior authorization reform, PBM reform, co-pay accumulator protections, biomarker testing access, and white bagging, and more—and how they affect cancer care delivery. This guide outlines practical tips on how to connect with your state society, share your story with local legislators, track state bills, and get involved in Hill Days. Download the guide and start advocating for better cancer care today. Contact your Executive Director for more information!

Advocacy Aimed at Improving Access and Outcomes in Cancer Care: To address policies and practices that affect patient care and access, each participating oncology state society leads a policy and advocacy program focused on legislation and regulations impacting cancer care. The program has expanded its reach by collaborating with local and national organizations and state lobbyists to prioritize key legislative issues.

The policy program has helped establish a policy communication and learning infrastructure in 15 participating states with over 130 engaged multidisciplinary providers across the US, demonstrating the collective power available to drive meaningful change. By collaborating to address key policy issues, members can have a tangible impact on improving patient care and quality of life for both patients and caregivers.

To learn more about your state's policy committee, email Lu Anne Bankert at lbankert@accc-cancer.org.

Policy Town Hall
In September 2024, 18 oncology-based state societies held a Policy Committee Town Hall Meeting that brought together oncology professionals, lobbyists, and state society leaders to discuss key legislative and advocacy priorities impacting oncology care across the US. There were 83 total attendees, including the ACCC President-Elect and 55 members.

Discussions focused on:

• Bipartisan support for cancer initiatives
• Challenges with Medicaid and pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) reforms
• State-level advocacy efforts, including prior authorization and biomarker testing
• Patient and provider story collections
• Strategies for effective lobbying and coalition-building

Learn strategic approaches to utilize local lobbyists, build effective coalitions, and collaborate with other states to advance key federal- and state-level legislation and advocacy priorities.

The Advocacy Engagement Report provides members with comprehensive case studies on issues that galvanized state societies to act. The report documents the specific actions taken by different state policy committees to affect change.

Read the report to:

• Unlock the 6 keys to successful grassroots advocacy as found in this effort.
• Learn how states without governmental affairs resources leveraged the power of their membership and their committee expertise.
• Benefit from lessons learned.
• Gain inspiration from a nationwide effort across members to effect change.

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Engaging in advocacy through our state societies is one of the most direct ways we can have a voice in healthcare policies impacting the care of our patients.

- Haley M. Simpson, MD, PhD
Chair, Policy Committee, Rocky Mountain Oncology Society

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